Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 voted « Car of the Year 2025 »
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Renault Group has made automotive history. Renault becomes the second manufacturer to win back-to-back Car of the Year awards since the creation of this distinction in 1964: Scénic E-Tech electric in 2024 and Renault 5 E-Tech electric, combined with the Alpine A290, in 2025. The many qualities of these two models, based on the same AmpR Small platform, convinced a demanding jury of 59 motoring journalists from 22 European countries. Announced as part of the Renaulution plan for 2021, Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the symbol of Renault Group's strategic vision for the electric car. Alpine A290 is the first car in the Dream Garage. Underneath their seductive design, they embody a great deal of customer value (the technical nature of their platform and running gear, the high-tech equipment in the cabin) which which gave them an edge over their competitor.
The jury for the Car of the Year (COTY) award considered Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 to be on equal footing, due to their shared AmpR Small platform. The two cars both won the Car of the Year 2025 award against formidable rivals including Dacia Duster, Alfa Romeo Junior, Citroën C3/ë-C3, Cupra Terramar, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV3. Unusually, this year's list of seven finalists included three models from Renault Group brands.
« We are very proud that Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 have been voted Car of the Year 2025. The R5 and A290 are unlike any other cars for our Group: they are pivotal models in the line-up development of our two brands. They are the stars that guide the transformation of our brands. For the Renault brand, the R5 is positioned as a gamechanger in its electric offensive. The A290 is the first vehicle in the Alpine dream garage.”
Fabrice Cambolive
Managing Director of the Renault brand
Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 were the cars most voted for by the jury members, with 353 points, well ahead of the Kia EV3, which scored 291 points. The Citroën C3-ëC3 came third with 215 points. Fourth place went to the Dacia Duster (172 points), Hyundai Inster was 5th with 168 points, the Cupra Terramar 6th with 165 points and Alfa Romeo Junior 7th with 136 points.
With two consecutive titles, Renault has achieved an historic back to back win. This is the eighth time the brand has won the Car of the Year award: Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 in 2025, Scénic E-tech electric in 2024, Clio in 2006, Mégane in 2003, Scénic in 1997, Clio in 1991, Renault 9 in 1982 and Renault 16 in 1966. For Alpine, it's a major first, rewarding the brand's first 100% electric model.
Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 have won this coveted accolade in the automotive world thanks to their high level of technology. They are the first Group models to use the Ampr Small platform dedicated to 100% electric city cars and compact cars. As a result, they benefit from low weight and excellent weight distribution thanks to a battery housed in the vehicle floor.
Optimized front axles and a multi-link rear axle (usually reserved for vehicles in the higher segment) contribute to dynamic, efficient road holding. The engineers have succeeded in delivering exceptional agility by capitalizing on their experience of the Mégane E-Tech electric. The driving experience is exhilarating in all situations.
Ampere, the Renault Group entity specializing in intelligent electric cars, is behind the development of Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290, starting with their platform and software architecture. The entity is also responsible for their assembly at its factory in Douai. Their electric motors are manufactured at the Ampere plant in Cleon. In 2025, the batteries will be produced at the Douai plant thanks to the partnership with AESC.
“Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be a turning point – if there’s one car that has the potential to transform the market, this is it. With these cars we’ve played big by making bold choices and significant investments in our dedicated EV platform and by instilling value in the product, to create a car unlike any other. We are also collectively playing big because of the stakes, particularly in the current geopolitical context, by proving that with Ampère, Europe can design, build and manufacture competitive electric cars that change the game in the transition to electric vehicles.”
Fabrice Cambolive
Managing Director of the Renault brand
“Within the Renault Group, we have created the new Ampr Small platform, 100% EV-native, not to clone cars but to offer different creations. Renault 5 E-Tech electric has its popular retro design, offering a lifestyle experience with the Reno avatar, transporting you in comfort and pleasure, while A290 is totally sport-oriented in terms of design, engine and chassis tuning, totally focused on fun and even sporty driving with launch control.”
Philippe Krief
Chief Technology Officer of Renault Group and CEO of the Alpine brand.
Both 100% electric and based on the same ultra-modern platform, Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Alpine A290 remain two cars in a class of their own. Their strong individual identities reinforce their appeal, as does their shared ability to make electric life easier thanks to associated Mobilize services such as V2G, the Plug & Charge function and the Mobilize Charge Pass payment solution. With the Car of the Year 2025 award, their joint mission to encourage customers to choose a 100% electric vehicle is off to the best possible start.